October 2016

Our Stake (Arlington Texas) is studying one scripture a month this year. To help families to integrate the scripture into their homes in meaningful ways, for each scripture we will share the following:

the accompanying challenge

free printables of the scripture or related challenge for display in the home

family home evening lessons for all types of families

ideas for memorizing the scripture

The scripture for October is Matthew 25:40.

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Challenge

The accompanying challenge is to participate in “Fall into Service.”

In our stake, each ward has its own Fall into Service activity. If you are not in our stake, or if you cannot participate with your ward, consider some of these ideas to live the scripture:

The Church shares this list of possible service ideas for youth, many of which are appropriate for all ages.

The Just Serve website connects you with opportunities, both short and long term, in your area.

With Adults

This 1989 talk entitled The Service that Countsfrom a much younger President Monson is one of his wonderful service talks with a widow story! It’s really quite inspirational, and it makes a great FHE.

Watch it below or read it, and then use the discussion questions below.

Discussion Questions:

When have you felt like the widow in the Thanksgiving story? When have you been truly touched by service?

What were the components you feel made that Thanksgiving dinner activity so special for those attending?

Brother Millett was grateful for the experience to share his own meager flour with Brother Hall because it led him to know that the Lord knew who he was (and knew he would give Brother Hall flour). What strikes you about this story? What had to happen for the inspiration Brother Hall received to play out?

The story of the brothers is miraculous. Why do you think the Lord makes small, private miracles like this one, as opposed to just big, feed-the-five-thousand miracles?

The story of President Monson’s remembering of Brother Rooker is remarkable on many levels. What struck you the most about the story? Why do you think that Brother Rooker called it the happiest day of his life?

What do you feel inspired to do after reading or watching this talk?

Memorizing

This short verse lends itself quite well to memorization, even for young children.

Context aids understanding, so take the time to read the verses surrounding this one, which is part of the parable of the sheep and the goats that begins at verse 31 of Matthew 25.

Once you understand that this is a verse with eternal significance, it is easier to remember it.

The verse is divided into four distinct parts:

The backstory: And the King shall answer and say unto them,

The emphasis: Verily I say unto you,

The condition: Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,

The promise: ye have done it unto me.

To memorize the verse in six days in less than six minutes per day, follow the steps below: